Property People: Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison, associate in Cushman & Wakefield's national logistics and industrial team in Leeds

We have fantastic transport links to the major motorway network and we are situated in the heart of the UK within close proximity to the major ports on the east and west coasts and therefore we are perfectly placed to deal with changes in retailing and consumer habits which are influencing the logistics sector.

What is the best project you have been involved in?

I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in two major projects this year: the acquisition of 360,000 sq ft at Logic Leeds for Premier Farnell and securing Siemens’ new £200m rail manufacturing facility at Goole 36 for Homes England.

It’s a close call between both projects, however I think landing Siemens (subject to rail contracts being awarded) at Goole is the best project I have been involved in personally.

Given I am originally from this part of the world, I know first-hand what a major employer such as Siemens can do for a town like Goole and it is an incredible win for the wider region in terms of job creation and investment, which was the principle goal of Homes England when creating Goole 36.

What is your favourite building in the region and why?

It has to be the one I sit in which is St Paul’s House on Park Square in Leeds. It’s got a fantastic history as a former warehouse and cloth cutting works and Park Square is stunning all year round, especially in the summer.

One of the ground floor occupiers has also recently installed a bar as part of their fit out which has just made it undoubtedly my favourite building in region.

If you could change one thing to improve the property industry in this region, what would it be?

More development across the region to address the supply issues across all sectors and continue to prioritise industrial development.

Who has inspired you?

Gerald Ronson – Heron International. An inspiring story of someone who came from very little, worked very hard and built very a successful property business with numerous ups and downs including nearly losing everything and also a short stint in prison.

Despite spending time in prison, he has gone on to be incredibly successful and transformed landscapes across the UK which inspire me.